Homeward bound....

The idea of a vacation is supposed to include time for relaxing...unwinding...unplugging...

We have certainly done that in addition to some memorable times with our son, Dave and Jena, our sweetheart of a future daughter-in-law. Shared breakfasts, lunches and dinners (and unfortunately, sharing the nuisance of annoying colds that we came down with - but all 4 of us seem to be recovering)

Tried my hand at halibut fishing - let me tell you, there is a reason why that is a pricey fish in the market...hauling even a small halibut up from around 200 feet with a 3 pound weight is hard work! It sure humbled me - and brought home,  very uncomfortably, how arthritis has affected my right hand. But I was able to claim 3 on the hook with one going back into the depths to grow larger. Two is the Alaskan limit per person on any given day. Mr. Outback & I had four and then he went out again a couple of days later to land 2 more. They will be shipped home when the weather turns cold...which according to reports from home might not be for a while.

Jena and I spent a day together in Anchorage - this future mother-in-law had not been into a bridal salon for many, many, many years...how about 1966?? My, oh my, - how things have changed!! 

Selection, decisions, accessories, decisions, veils, shoes, decisions - what a fun time we had - photos were taken of the bride-to-be in various gowns to send back to Jena's Mom in Wisconsin. No final choice yet - but a definite idea as to the style and look she wants. 

Next stop was a lunch of freshly made crab cakes at Phyllis's in downtown Anchorage and then with happy tummy's - off we went to find The Quilted Raven. It did not take long to decide on yardage of heavenly, softly colored, batiks...how easy is that!! Jena & Dave favor quieter, more natural colorways - and there is a definite leaning towards soft blues & uncomplicated designs.  This is the fabric she chose -
For the quilt top - 

 For the backing - so very Alaskan - whales!

I plan to start this after Christmas - only if I can keep my hands off of it...well, maybe a little prep work - cutting strips...maybe piecing a couple of trial blocks...

The grandeur of the mountains we have left behind has given way to rolling fields of newly cut hay and herds of cattle - The Canadian Rockies are off in the distance...

We have arrived in Cochran, Alberta and tomorrow will go through Customs prior to entering the US - there are many boxes of cool Alaskan and Canadian air which we have packed away - hoping the officials allow us to bring them through...at home, the temperatures are in the upper 80's and 90's so I know this gift will be appreciated!

All for now dear readers - have a good holiday weekend and if you are on the road like us, wishing you safe travels.

 
....along the Cowboy Trail in Alberta Province, Canada